Atlantic City’s story is deeply connected to Black history, culture, creativity, and resilience. From the late 1800s through the mid-1900s, the city’s Northside became a thriving hub of Black owned businesses, nightlife, and legendary music.
Today, visitors can still experience this rich legacy while enjoying everything Atlantic City is known for. Think ocean views, iconic attractions, vibrant arts, meaningful landmarks, and stories that shaped history. Exploring Black history here adds depth to your visit and makes every stop feel more meaningful and memorable.
African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey
This powerful museum invites visitors to explore the art, history, and lived experiences of African Americans in South Jersey and beyond. Founded by Ralph E. Hunter Sr., the museum began as a personal collection inside his apartment before becoming a public space in 2002.
Guests can view the permanent exhibit Stereotypes, which explores the impact of imagery throughout history, along with rotating exhibits that highlight local Black artists. From paintings to cultural artifacts, every display tells a story that educates, inspires, and sparks conversation.
Located on Pacific Avenue & Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd., the Civil Rights Garden offers a peaceful place for reflection. The garden features granite columns, sculptures, trees, and inscriptions honoring key moments and figures from the Civil Rights Movement. It is a meaningful stop for visitors who want to connect with history in a quiet and thoughtful setting.
Long before Atlantic City became fully integrated, Black visitors were limited to one stretch of sand near Missouri Avenue. This area became known as Chicken Bone Beach, and it grew into a cultural summer gathering place filled with music and community.
Today, Chicken Bone Beach is recognized as a historic landmark, and its legacy lives on through the Chicken Bone Beach Historical Foundation. The organization celebrates unity through jazz, hosts concerts, and provides free youth jazz camps for local children. It is a powerful example of how an unfortunate chapter in history has been transformed into a story of pride and progress.
Atlantic City played a key role in the Civil Rights Movement during the 1964 Democratic National Convention at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. The Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party challenged the all-white delegation and demanded fair representation. Their efforts brought national attention to voting rights and social justice.
One of the most influential voices during this time was Fannie Lou Hamer. Her powerful advocacy helped push the national Democratic Party toward greater inclusion of women and minorities. Today, her legacy lives on in Atlantic City through tributes at Stockton University and exhibits inside Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall.
You can also visit the Mississippi Freedom Trail Marker at Kennedy Plaza, which honors the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and their fight for equality during the 1964 Democratic National Convention. This marker is part of a national trail that commemorates the 1964 Freedom Summer movement. Atlantic City is home to the first and only Mississippi Freedom Trail marker outside of Mississippi, highlighting the city’s important role in this pivotal moment in American history.
Art Dorrington made history in 1950 as the first African American to sign an NHL contract. He later founded the Art Dorrington Ice Hockey Foundation to introduce hockey to children from low-income families in Atlantic City.
His legacy of advocacy and inclusion continues through Judah Abijah Dorrington, the city’s first Liaison and Coordinator of LGBTQ+ Programs and Services. Her work focuses on creating opportunities, access, and representation for all.
Black history is not just part of Atlantic City’s past; it is woven into the city’s identity. From museums and memorials to beaches and boardwalk landmarks, these experiences offer a richer way to explore the city’s culture and legacy. Plan your Atlantic City visit today!
